Kurt Thompson out as Republic football coach

Kurt Thompson will not be retained as Republic High School football coach, he told the News-Leader tonight. He spent the past six years at the school, reaching the Class 4 playoffs each of the past two seasons. Thompson said the decision came as a surprise. The team finished 5-6 this year, qualifying for the second round of the playoffs.

Thompson previously coached at Kickapoo High School and Webb City High School. The News-Leader will follow up this story Wednesday.

"We had a good staff and good kids and I'm proud of the work we did there. Right now, I just don't know where (the program is) at," Thompson said.